Sustainable Livelihoods and Responsible Attitude to Environment

Summary

A joint initiative of the Government of Georgia, Government of Finland and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) aimed to bring back to life Borjomi forest heavily damaged by a wildfire during the armed conflict in August 2008. The initiative also promoted agriculture, tourism and environmental education to boost economy and improve livelihoods.

What We Do

Forest restoration works in the village Daba. 2014. Photo: Vladimer Valishvili/UNDP Georgia

80 hectares of the burnt forest have been restored with over 120 thousand seedlings of oak, pine and fir-trees. 60 hectares have been planted with assistance from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources Protection of Georgia, National Forest Agency, Government of Finland and UNDP, and 20 hectares – with assistance from the Government of Austria. A pilot school nursery has been established to provide seedlings for reforestation and support young foresters.

The Government of Georgia took a lead in the reforestation works since the completion of the project in 2015. The replanted segments of forest are being maintained and safeguarded by the National Forest Agency.

Results

Young environmentalists take part in a clean-up campaign in Tsaghveri. 2014. Photo: Vladimer Valishvili/UNDP

Restoration of Forest Destroyed in the 2008 Conflict

Up to 80 ha of burnt forest cleaned, fenced and restored;

120,000 seedlings planted;

Training and jobs for 30 local workers and 15 IDPs;

Environmental Education

Youth eco-clubs in Borjomi, Akhaldaba and Tsagveri;

First teachers’ guidebook in Georgian:”Environmental Education at School”;